Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson celebrates a reception during preseason action against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Aug. 10, 2024, Jackson provided an offensive spark and drew a strong reaction from the home crowd while continuing his push for a larger role within Minnesota’s receiving corps. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
He’s only 28 years old, but former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson has turned his sights to coaching, evidenced by his presence at Vikings minicamp this week. The fromer pass-catcher is participating in a coaching program that could serve as a springboard to a full-time role, perhaps with the Vikings down the line.
Ex-Vikings safety Bobby McCain is along for the ride, too.
Jackson’s Coaching Pivot Keeps Him Near Vikings’ Orbit
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson watches from the sideline during preseason action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. On Aug. 24, 2024, Jackson continued his push for a roster spot after a productive exhibition schedule, drawing attention as one of Minnesota’s more intriguing depth receivers. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images.
Jackson, McCain Take Career Next Steps
Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifeld wrote Thursday, “Two years ago, WR Trishton Jackson and DB Bobby McCain were leaders on the Vikings scout teams. They returned to Minnesota this week in a different capacity but ready as ever to make an impact, as they participate in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program that runs through training camp.”
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“It was easiest to spot both in their new roles Thursday in the IPF, which has a single field compared to multiple outdoors; Jackson helped drill his former position group, and McCain shadowed the secondary. They aren’t the only new visiting coaches, either.”
Jackson is a close friend of Justin Jefferson, so it’s no surprise that he hasn’t strayed far from the Vikings’ orbit.
Kleifeld continued, “O’Connell shared in his opening remarks that along with the two Vikings Legends, the team is adding Isaiah Bishop, P.J. Burkhalter, DeShawn Haney and Johnathan Lloyd as Walsh Diversity Fellows.”
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“In regard to Jackson and McCain, O’Connell noted it’s ‘a passion of mine,’ as well as the Wilf family, to help players find their calling once they’re done competing between the lines. He cited offensive assistant and former tight end Ben Ellefson as an example. Ellefson has gained responsibility over the past three seasons, since switching lanes in 2023.”
Jackson’s Time in Minnesota
Jackson’s annual July and August performances generated excitement among Vikings fans. He demonstrated the talent to remain on the roster, delivered strong production, and displayed explosiveness in preseason games that led many to speculate that the Vikings had unearthed a hidden gem.
His 2024 summer tape particularly amplified the narrative. Jackson made plays against the Raiders, Browns, and Eagles, concluding the preseason with nine receptions, 154 yards, and three touchdowns, notably scoring in all three contests — a feat that typically elevates a long-shot wide receiver into serious contention.
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However, as the regular season approached, his opportunities largely evaporated.
While Minnesota elevated Jackson from the practice squad twice in 2024, a meaningful role never materialized. He participated in only 10 offensive snaps and two special teams snaps throughout the entire season. Coaches valued him enough to keep him in the organization, but not enough to entrust him with playing time in regular season games.
A similar scenario later unfolded with former Viking Lucky Jackson, who also displayed enough promise to remain a topic of fan discussion but is now a free agent.
From 2021 to 2024, Jackson remained on the fringe of the Vikings’ plans – always close enough to be a factor in August, but never quite able to secure a breakthrough once the regular season began. Now, he’ll try coaching on for size.
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Here’s his full player resume:
Los Angeles Rams (2020)
Minnesota Vikings (2021–2024)
Arizona Cardinals (2025)
McCain’s Career
McCain is different than Jackson; he had longevity in the NFL. Over 10 NFL seasons, McCain played in 134 games, starting 87. He accumulated 398 tackles, 45 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He spent most of his career with Miami and Washington, showcasing versatility by playing slot corner, free safety, and strong safety.
Washington Football Team defensive back Bobby McCain walks off the field following a road game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. On Dec. 26, 2021, McCain completed another outing as a veteran leader in Washington’s secondary, bringing versatility and experience to the defensive backfield. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
His most productive season was in 2021 with Washington, where he started 16 of 17 games, recording 63 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 passes defended.
McCain’s tenure with Minnesota was brief. In 2024, he played only three games for the Vikings, logging 40 defensive snaps and 4 tackles. While PFF assigned him an overall grade of 47.6 and a coverage grade of 46.1, the limited playing time didn’t allow him to blast off in purple.
In summary, McCain was an experienced and versatile defensive back with a history of starting in the NFL. For the Vikings, he served primarily as an emergency option rather than a key contributor. It makes all the sense in the world that he’d turn to coaching. He’s seen some things.
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A Sweet Mentor in Keenan McCardell
If Jackson, for example, were to latch onto the Vikings’ staff as a coach, well, he has the blueprint front and center.
Minnesota’s current and longtime wide receiver coach, McCardell, played 16 seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver, then turned to coaching in 2010 and eventually landed in Minnesota, where he’s spent the last six seasons. McCardell has even flirted with offensive coordinator jobs around the league, which will likely accommodate him before too long.
Minnesota Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell attends the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. On Mar. 2, 2024, McCardell evaluated incoming draft prospects while continuing his role in shaping Minnesota’s receiving corps, a position group headlined by some of the league’s top offensive talent. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
If Jackson needs tips and tricks about coaching staying power, all he has to do is speak to McCardell for advice.
Jackson will turn 29 next March.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Iran’s troubled FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has run into another controversy after coach Amir Ghalenoei claimed his players were denied recovery time and instructed to leave the United States immediately after their opening match against New Zealand.
The Iranian team played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a politically charged Group G fixture at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday night. However, instead of remaining in California overnight to recover, the squad was reportedly told to return straight away to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
The latest development adds to a series of logistical and visa-related challenges that have overshadowed Iran’s build-up to the tournament.
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Iran question sudden travel decision
Speaking after the match, Ghalenoei said the team had expected to follow a standard recovery schedule before travelling back to Mexico the following day.
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Instead, the players were reportedly instructed to leave almost immediately after the final whistle.
“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter. “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, (but) we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.”
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The Iran coach did not specify who issued the instruction.
According to Ghalenoei, the original plan was for the team to arrive in Los Angeles two days before the match, stay overnight after the game and return to Tijuana the following afternoon.
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“We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest,” Ghalenoei said. “I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere. We were supposed to come two nights before the game, and we were supposed to stay tonight to recover and return tomorrow at lunchtime. We have no idea why.
“I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup.”
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Visa issues continue to disrupt preparations
The travel concerns come against the backdrop of wider difficulties faced by the Iranian delegation since the start of the tournament.
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Iran’s preparations have been affected by tensions between the United States and Iran, with the team previously expressing concerns over visa delays and travel arrangements.
Captain Mehdi Taremi said several key members of the Iranian contingent remain absent after being denied visas, including senior football federation officials, coaching staff and media personnel.
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“We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us,” Taremi said about an hour after the match. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this. … Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us.”
The visa issue has emerged as a recurring theme during Iran’s World Cup campaign, with officials arguing that the absence of support staff has complicated preparations both on and off the field.
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Draw against New Zealand offers little relief
Iran’s frustration was compounded by the result itself.
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Team Melli twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in front of a largely pro-Iranian crowd in Los Angeles.
Eli Just scored both goals for New Zealand, while Ramin Rezaeian and Mohamed Mohebi found the net for Iran.
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Mohebi’s superb second-half header secured a point for the Asian side after another difficult night in a tournament already dominated by off-field issues.
The draw leaves Group G finely balanced after Belgium and Egypt also shared the points in their opening fixture.
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Iran will return to SoFi Stadium for their second group-stage match against Belgium on Sunday.
France captain Mbappe and England skipper Kane are the previous two winners of the award, after all. Mbappe scored eight in 2022, including a hat-trick in the final, while Kane struck six for England in 2018.
Kai Havertz scored a brace against Curacao in Germany’s opener (Getty)
The first ever 48-team World Cup features an additional round of 32, offering the world’s top strikers an additional opportunity of bagging an extra goal as they dream of embarking on a deep run into the tournament.
If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings.
Argentina get their World Cup defence underway against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday night.
Three and a half years after Lionel Messi guided Argentina to a glorious third World Cup triumph in Qatar, the South American side begin their 2026 tournament as the top-seeded favourites in Group J.
Argentina also boast the likes of Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Emiliano Martinez in their ranks. They topped South American qualifying with 12 wins from 18 games and also won the 2024 Copa America.
As for Algeria, their captain and star player remains Riyad Mahrez. The ex-Manchester City and Leicester winger is at Al-Ahli now but, at 35, is still going strong and has more than 100 caps to his name.
Here’s everything you need to know about this World Cup 2026 game:
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When is Argentina v Algeria?
Argentina face Algeria at 2am BST on Wednesday 17 June (8pm CT, Tuesday 17 June) at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV 1, ITV X, STV and STV Player with coverage starting at 1:15am BST. It can also be live streamed on ITVX.
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Team news
Argentina left back Nicolas Tagliafico has been ruled out of this match after straining his calf in a warm-up game against Honduras, but Leandro Paredes and Nico Gonzalez are both close to full fitness after muscular problems.
Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini, who can play left back or centre back, is out with an ankle injury. Otherwise, the underdogs have a full bill of health.
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at his sixth World Cup (Reuters)
Predicted line-ups
Argentina XI: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Alvarez
The NHL has officially opened its long-delayed investigation into former coach Mike Babcock’s brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. This comes just a day after the conclusion of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
In his latest column for Sportsnet, insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the league will interview multiple parties as it examines the circumstances surrounding Babcock’s resignation before he coached a single regular-season game in Columbus.
The review is believed to have been prompted by the NHL Players’ Association to assess whether any further penalties are warranted and whether teams like the Edmonton Oilers can hire him without restriction.
A central challenge for investigators stems from resistance among some former Blue Jackets players and staff. Many have reportedly expressed frustration at revisiting events from three years ago, indicating they have no desire to relive the controversy and prefer to move on.
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“One of the initial challenges here is that some Blue Jackets players and staff members from back then initially indicated they had no desire to re-live what happened three years ago and didn’t want to participate,” Friedman wrote. “So we will see how the investigation handles that, or if anyone moves past that reluctance.”
Elliotte Friedman: Re Mike Babcock investigation: There were reports of issues beyond looking at players’ phones that got Babcock into trouble in Columbus; sources indicate there was at least one other conversation that caused concern – Sportsnet (6/15)
The probe revives scrutiny of Mike Babcock’s conduct in Columbus, including well-publicized allegations of invasions of privacy, such as requests to view personal photos on players’ phones.
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Several Oilers players’ agents have voiced concern regarding the hiring of Mike Babcock
Mike Babcock (C) addresses a press conference – Source: Imagn
The Edmonton Oilers have emerged as the leading candidate to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach. This comes after the team decided to fire Kris Knoblauch after a disappointing first-round playoff exit.
Initially, the Oilers targeted Bruce Cassidy, but his contract situation with the Vegas Golden Knights has prevented him from interviewing with other teams. The roadblock prompted Edmonton to shift focus to Babcock.
The former Blue Jackets coach reportedly met with Oilers ownership and front office personnel, and he was one of two finalists who also met face-to-face with a small group of players in Toronto.
However, according to Elliotte Friedman, several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in those direct conversations have voiced concerns.
“Several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in direct conversations with Babcock also voiced concerns, adding they didn’t like the idea of clients being traded there, either,” he wrote.
The Oilers are now waiting for the outcome of the NHL’s investigation before making a final decision. If the review does not go in Mike Babcock’s favor, the franchise is expected to rule him out as a candidate.
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With the playoffs now over, Edmonton is also closely monitoring the Golden Knights’ decision regarding Bruce Cassidy. Currently, the Oilers appear locked in on two primary coaching targets, but it remains to be seen who will ultimately replace Knoblauch behind the bench.
NEW DELHI: India A’s thrilling tri-series clash against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had everything — a tied match, a Super Over, controversy, and an ugly post-match altercation involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But long after Sri Lanka A sealed victory, one question continued to dominate discussions: why was a Super Over conducted despite rapidly deteriorating light?The answer lies in a series of tense discussions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that ultimately left players struggling to even see the ball.
Tilak Varma pushed for Super Over despite fading light
According to a Sportstar report, India A captain Tilak Varma was keen to ensure the match produced a result and repeatedly urged the umpires to proceed with the Super Over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.As players assembled near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained there was still enough time to complete the tie-breaker.The Sri Lankan camp, however, was far less certain. Players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash engaged in prolonged discussions, with animated exchanges taking place as both sides debated whether conditions were suitable to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Officials warned play could be stopped
Sources quoted by Sportstar revealed that the Indian team had been informed that the umpires retained the authority to halt proceedings if visibility deteriorated to an unsafe level. However, despite the worsening conditions, the match carried on, with pace bowlers operating under fading light that left many observers puzzled.By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17 runs, visibility had become a serious concern. From the stands, spectators found it difficult to track the ball. Players appeared equally uncomfortable.“Yaar, ball dikh hi nahi raha hai (Mate, I can’t even see the ball),” one player was heard telling his teammates as per the same report.India A ultimately managed only nine runs in the Super Over and slipped to their second successive defeat.The frustration boiled over after the match when Sooryavanshi became involved in a heated exchange with Sri Lanka A players, including Vishen Halambage, bringing an ugly end to the contest.Meanwhile, questions surrounding the decision to continue the match under such poor visibility are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.India A now head into a must-win encounter against Afghanistan A, needing victory and a healthy boost to their net run rate while relying on other results to keep their hopes alive.
When thinking about World Cup openers, it’s hard not to think back to Argentina’s shock loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022, but what followed was magical, with La Albiceleste securing the first World Cup title of Lionel Messi’s storied career and third in the nation’s history. Now, in what could be the final World Cup of Messi, with him being 38, Argentina will look to do something that hasn’t been done since 1962 and win back-to-back World Cup titles.
It was Brazil who accomplished that feat, running a period where they won three World Cups in four editions, and it hasn’t been done since, showing how tough it is to lift a World Cup title. It’ll be even tougher when Messi has only played 20 minutes since suffering a muscular overload when facing the Philadelphia Union. He came off the bench for Argentina’s friendly against Iceland, but facing an Algeria side that they should defeat with or without Messi, Lionel Scaloni may want to bring their talisman along slowly.
As for the Desert Foxes, they have been quite comfortable in Kansas City, integrating while embracing the area. Playing soccer with kids in the area and interacting with those from Lawrence, this is the kind of stuff that the World Cup is about. It may not lead to an upset, but add that in with having a strong team around their own talisman in Riyad Mahrez, and stranger things have happened and could happen.
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How to watch Argentina vs. Algeria
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | Time: 9 p.m. ET Location: Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, Mo. TV: FOX (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free) Odds: Argentina -250; Draw +350; Algeria +700
Even if Messi doesn’t play, Argentina’s defense is a stout one no matter who is in the lineup. Scaloni has done a great job setting up a system where every player knows what is expected of them, and in a grueling tournament like the World Cup, that’s critical. Pick: Argentina 2, Algeria 0
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Golazo 48 Nations: Follow the World Cup all summer long
Golazo 48 Nations is your all-access destination for the World Cup, with wall-to-wall coverage across the CBS Sports Golazo Network. From the first whistle to the final recap, the entire Golazo crew will guide fans through every moment of the tournament.
Each day begins with Morning Footy, setting the stage with the latest news, storylines, and previews ahead of kickoff. From there, Golazo Matchday and Golazo Matchnight deliver reaction and analysis as the action unfolds. Fans can also tune in for coverage of USMNT matches with the Call It What You Want team, as well as reaction to other marquee matchups.
The day wraps with Scoreline, a comprehensive nightly recap of every result, moment, and storyline from across the tournament. Altogether, the Golazo Network will deliver up to 12 hours of programming each matchday, available across the Golazo Network and its YouTube channel.
The 2026 World Cup continues on Tuesday with Groups I and J in action.
Four star-filled matches are on the schedule with the finalists from the 2022 World Cup final in action, as well as Erling Haaland leading Norway in their first World Cup since 1998. Here’s what you need to know for a busy day of soccer.
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Tuesday, June 16 | 3 p.m. ET | East Rutherford, New Jersey | TV: Fox
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Odds: France (-220), Senegal (+600), Tie (+340)
The 2022 World Cup runners-up look to make another deep run in the competition as they return yet another deep, dangerous roster under departing manager Didier Deschamps. Champions in 2018, Les Bleus were nearly back-to-back winners four years ago and remain one of the favorites this summer.
This France team is so talented, even Paul Pogba, who was on the 2018 winning side, says that the 2026 squad is better than the one from Russia eight years ago.
“Yeah. I think everybody sees them as favorites,” Pogba told ESPN. “They have to [be]. They have probably the best players in the world. But obviously, that is not enough to win a World Cup, and there is more pressure on them,” he continued, adding that “they have to keep the standard as high as possible.”
Senegal faced France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup and shocked the reigning champions with a 1-0 victory. In only three appearances, the Lions of Teranga have done fairly well after making the quarterfinals in 2002 and the Round of 16 in Qatar in 2022.
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This will not be an easy game against a powerful France team, and points being very important with a rising Norway also in the group.
Iraq vs. Norway
Tuesday, June 16 | 6 p.m. ET | Boston | TV: Fox
Odds: Iraq (+1300), Norway (-550), Tie (+600)
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The Røde, Hvite, Blå have returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and feature one of the world’s most dangerous goal scorers in Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has shown his dominance on the club and international stage, but this competition will place him under an even bigger spotlight.
Norway features a “golden generation” squad with Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth among those playing well for their club sides. There are expectations with this group, and anything short of advancing out to the Round of 32 would be labeled as a major disappointment.
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Iraq is still seeking its first World Cup point after failing to win any of its three matches in its only other appearance at Mexico 1986.
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The Lions of Mesopotamia needed to go through 21 qualifying matches to get here. They were boosted by the goals of Aymen Hussein, who scored nine times during qualifying, and a defensive block that will look to stunt Haaland’s advances.
Tuesday, June 16 | 9 p.m. ET | Kansas City, Missouri | TV: Fox
Odds: Argentina (-260), Algeria (+750), Tie +360
The reigning champions look to kick off their title defense with a better start than the 2022 World Cup, when they lost to Saudi Arabia. Will this be Lionel Messi‘s final games in an Argentina shirt? Time will tell, but Lionel Scaloni’s squad will be eager to take an early three points in what is set to be a very tough group.
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Emiliano Martínez, the Golden Glove winner in 2022, will be between the sticks after recovering from a fractured ring finger on his right hand. It was only late last week when he began training using both gloves.
Algeria reached the Round of 16 at Brazil 2014, but failed to qualify for the next two World Cups. The Fennecs are back, though they will miss veteran defender Ramy Bensebaini for the opening match due to injury.
The side has set up base camp in Lawrence, Kansas, and picked up a strong local following. Featuring a large number of Algerian immigrants in the area, the team has earned the support of the area, and while Messi and Argentina will have their fans in attendance, the Desert Foxes will see a vocal contingent in Kansas City.
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Tuesday, June 16 | 12 a.m. ET | Santa Clara, California | TV: FS1
Odds: Austria (-320), Jordan (+850), Tie (+460)
Austria is back at the World Cup after a 28-year wait and looks to follow up a ninth-place finish at the 2024 Euros with a strong showing this summer. Das Team is full of experience, led by David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautović. Manager Ralf Rangnick’s high press has delivered results, and this opening match will be a good opportunity to take an early three points.
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Jordan has been surging over the past year. After reaching their first-ever Arab Cup final in December, The Chivalrous Ones automatically qualified through the Asian Football Confederation.
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World Cup first-timers, Jamal Sellami’s side will have to play organized if they are to scratch out points in this group. With a 48-team field and eight third-place teams advancing, the door is open for a surprise team like Jordan to sneak into the Round of 32.
SAN FRANCISCO — Gabby Williams scored 16 points, Kaila Charles came of the bench to finish with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-58 on Monday night for their third straight win.
Rae Burrell scored 13 points for the Sparks while Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike were held to nine points apiece in an off-night shooting for Los Angeles, which had a three-game winning streak snapped.
Charles scored the final seven points of the first half and went 5 of 7 from the floor overall with two 3-pointers for Golden State, helping the Valkyries build a 45-26 lead at the break. Veronica Burton scored 12 points and Cecilia Zandalasini contributed 10 for the Valkyries.
They made eight of their first 13 shots to take a quick lead and 25-10 advantage after one quarter. They pushed the ball inside all game for 36 points in the paint and scored 30 bench points.
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Sparks guard Kate Martin received a warm welcome back — a video tribute and rousing ovation from the sellout crowd at Chase Center — after she played the inaugural 2025 season for Golden State and started this year with the team.
She had three points, three rebounds and a pair of assists in 11 minutes.
Golden State jumped out to an 8-0 lead making three of its first six shots while Los Angeles missed its first five before Plum hit a 3 with 6:43 left in the opening quarter.
Veteran and former Stanford star Ogwumike missed her first three shots as Los Angeles began 3 of 13 and 1 for 6 from deep. The Sparks wound up 33.3% on field goals.
We live in a college football world of lists, rankings, and countdowns. Many players on Notre Dame’s roster have been talked about and written about over the last few months — so let’s fall in line.
This will be my official Top 20 Notre Dame Football Players ranking. I will unveil each player, and list the three things I like about them. It seems simple enough, but I have no doubt that some of these ratings will be highly criticized, but you can always share your thoughts in the comments below.
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#54 ANTHONIE KNAPP OL
Veteran by fire
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With all due respect to the other Notre Dame offensive linemen, there really isn’t one that I trust more than Knapp. Without expectation, Knapp was forced into action at a position he wasn’t recruited for, and helped get the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game. He put in the work — as arduous as it was.
Unselfish at an unselfish position
Knapp is moving inside in 2026. Left tackle is a glory position in football, and Knapp has played it well for the past two seasons, but there are better fits at left tackle than him — and that’s fine (and he knows it’s fine).
Best is yet to come
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This definitely ties in with the above reason, but no matter… I fully believe knapp is about to have a breakthrough season at left guard. While some would say he has already broken through as the starter at LT for the last two seasons (and only allowed 1 sack in 334 pass blocking attempts) and they would be right — but now he is going to where he was meant to be, and that means Notre Dame’s line is only going to be better for it in 2026.
Iran began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a spirited 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, but football was only part of the story as political tensions, protests and a dispute over pre-revolutionary Iranian flags formed the backdrop to the Group G encounter.
Twice New Zealand took the lead through Eli Just and twice Iran responded, first via veteran defender Ramin Rezaeian and later through Mohamed Mohebi’s superb second-half header.
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The result leaves all four teams in Group G level on one point after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
New Zealand strike first as Just shines
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New Zealand made the brighter start and were rewarded when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being picked out by captain Chris Wood.
The goal gave the All Whites an early advantage and briefly silenced large sections of a crowd that appeared overwhelmingly supportive of Iran.
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Team Melli gradually settled into the contest and found a route back into the match shortly after the half-hour mark.
Following a blocked effort inside the penalty area, Rezaeian reacted quickest to poke the loose ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper and restore parity.
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The equaliser sparked loud celebrations among Iranian supporters, many of whom had spent the build-up to the game navigating the emotional intersection of football and politics.
Just and Wood combine again
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New Zealand regained control early in the second half through another piece of quality involving their two standout performers.
The move began on the left flank through Liberato Cacace before Just drove forward and exchanged passes with Wood. The veteran striker returned the ball with a clever lay-off, allowing Just to race through and finish emphatically past Alireza Beiranvand.
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The strike restored New Zealand’s lead and threatened to derail Iran’s comeback hopes.
Mohebi’s moment of magic
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Iran’s response arrived 10 minutes later and featured one of the finest goals of the tournament so far.
A magnificent diagonal pass switched play from the left side of the pitch to the advancing Ramin Rezaeian on the right flank. The experienced defender controlled the ball, steadied himself and delivered a precise cross into the area.
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Mohebi escaped the attention of defender Michael Boxall and met the delivery with a glancing header that flew in off the far post.
The finish gave the goalkeeper no chance and ensured Iran secured a share of the points.
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For Iran, the goal was reward for their persistence. For New Zealand, it extended an unwanted statistic as the All Whites remain without a victory in seven World Cup matches.
Anthem boos and divided loyalties
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The football unfolded against a politically charged backdrop.
Before kick-off, some supporters booed Iran’s national anthem while others responded by loudly chanting “Iran, Iran” throughout the match.
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The atmosphere reflected divisions within sections of the Iranian-American community, many of whom remain deeply split over how to support the national team while also expressing opposition to the government in Tehran.
Outside SoFi Stadium, several hundred protesters gathered carrying anti-government placards and banners.
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Some Iranian supporters said attending the match would amount to endorsing the current regime, while others argued that the players should be supported regardless of political developments.
The tensions were heightened by the broader geopolitical situation involving Iran and the United States, adding another layer of significance to the fixture.
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Pre-revolutionary flags return despite FIFA ban
One of the biggest talking points came from the stands, where dozens of supporters displayed Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag despite FIFA’s efforts to prohibit it.
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The flag, associated with Iran’s Shah-led monarchy before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has become a symbol used by sections of the Iranian diaspora and opponents of the current government.
In one particularly symbolic moment, a group of supporters unfurled the flags in response to the display of the official Iranian state flag during pre-match ceremonies.
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Iran’s Pre-revolutionary flags return despite FIFA ban
Although FIFA had secured legal backing for its ban only hours before the match, several supporters appeared to have brought the flags into the venue.
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Court upholds FIFA’s decision
The controversy had reached the courts on the eve of the match.
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An Iranian supporter, backed by the Institute for Voice of Liberty, challenged FIFA’s decision to prohibit the Lion and Sun flag from World Cup venues, arguing that the restriction infringed freedom of speech.
The case was heard at an emergency hearing in Los Angeles just hours before kick-off.
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Judge Curtis A. Kin rejected the challenge and ruled that FIFA’s ban could remain in force.
“Free speech is incredibly important, it is sacred, a bedrock of our society, but it is not without limitation, such as private actor, on private property, and as shown by previous cases, regulating in reasonable way. I deny the application.”
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The judge also cited practical concerns around security and event management.
“There may be harm to some 2,500 staff members who have to deal with safety protocols,” he said.
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“It is a tremendous burden to change a long-standing stadium protocol for a massive event in a period of hours.”
FIFA’s political balancing act
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FIFA has consistently argued that political symbols should not be displayed inside World Cup venues.
Its tournament regulations prohibit banners, flags and other materials deemed political, offensive or discriminatory.
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The governing body has maintained that the restrictions are intended to preserve security and ensure football remains free from political messaging.
Yet the scenes in Los Angeles illustrated how difficult that task can be when national identity, political opposition and global sporting events collide.
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